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Hand in Hand

Semester: 

Spring

Offered: 

2020

Dates: February 4 - April 21Hand in Hand
Days/Times: Tuesdays, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Level: Beginner - Advanced
Instructor: Pam Gorgone, Joanna Mark

Course description: This unique course acts as an introduction to hand-building techniques, led by two different instructors. Though the techniques of coiling, pinching and working with slabs will be demonstrated by both instructors, each brings their own personal interpretation to the classroom. Pam Gorgone will lead the first six weeks of the course and Joanna Mark the second half.  A wide range of surface decorating processes including glazing, Mishima, and stamping will be incorporated throughout the semester. This course will help beginners and those brave enough to step a way from the potter's wheel to investigate handbuilding!  Advanced students are welcome to continue to develop their skills inspired by these two talented instructors. (12 classes/13 weeks)

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Rethinking Pinch-Forming

Semester: 

Spring

Offered: 

2020

Dates: February 3 - April 20 ***Only first time registrants.***Paul Briggs
Days/Times: Mondays, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Level: Beginner - Advanced
Instructor:Paul Briggs

Course description: Join 2019-20 Artist in Residence Paul Briggs in focusing on ceramic pinch pots as much more than an introductory hand building process. Today increasing numbers of ceramists are pinch-forming vessels and have found the method to be far more than an introduction to clay, but a technique for creative expression in ceramics on par with all others. Pinch forming isn't a fast process and one must be mindful in ways that are quite different than working with slabs or throwing on the potter's wheel. To pinch well, one must slow down, focus, and feel the clay during every pinch. Today, given that our way of being is fast paced, and we are constantly plugged into technology and social media, once students settle themselves down into the process, they may find pinching to be meditative, quieting process during which they can turn off the brain chatter. (12 classes/13 weeks)

Note: In order to give individuals a chance to take this wonderful class, we are asking that only those who have NOT taken the class register for Spring semester. Those that have taken the class in the Fall and register again will be removed from the class.

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The Figure

Semester: 

Spring

Offered: 

2020

Dates: February 6 - April 23Claudia Olds Goldie
Days/Times: Thursdays, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Level: Beginner - Intermediate
Instructor: Claudia Olds Goldie

Course description:While learning to create figures that are proportionate, expressive, and anatomically correct, we will explore ways to create narrative and psychological content. Looking at images of historical and contemporary sculpture, we will consider ways in which the figure, with or without a specific context, creates a story for the viewer to interpret or be drawn into. We will work from photos, imagination, as well a live figure model. (12 classes/13 weeks)

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Handbuilding Essentials

Semester: 

Spring

Offered: 

2020

Dates: February 4 - April 21By Hand
Days/Times: Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30pm 
Level: Beginner - Advanced
Instructor: Kyle Johns

Course Description:  Join 2018-19 Artist in Residence Kyle Johns in exploring hand building with clay on a whole new level in this fun yet challenging course. Students will first design and create bisque molds in order to create a library of forms to choose from. Next, using that library of forms, we will create pieces using both slab and coil methods with an eye towards utilitarian forms.  In-class demonstrations will address issues of construction, function and cover a variety of surface decoration techniques. (12 classes/13 weeks).... Read more about Handbuilding Essentials

Explore | Refine

Semester: 

Spring

Offered: 

2020

Dates: February 6 - April 23Zac Michelson
Days/Times: Thursdays, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Instructor: Zac Mickelson

Course Description: This class format focuses on breaking old habits and considering new directions to take our work including utility, form and surface - including a soda firing! There are four, three-week cycles to this 12-week class. For two weeks, students, with the guidance of the instructor will “explore” through experimentation with different forms. The third week, the group comes together to “refine” through critique intended to refine our ideas. This format is then repeated three more times. Though this class does focus primarily on the wheel, hand builders are welcome! Class demonstrations will be given based on student input with the remainder of the class being one-on-one help. (12 classes/13 weeks)

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Wheel Intensive

Semester: 

Spring

Offered: 

2020

Dates: February 3 - April 20wheel intensive
Days/Times: Mondays, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Instructor: Steve Murphy

Course Description: Focusing primarily on the wheel, this class for intermediate to advanced potters will explore size, form, refinement and surface. Students should arrive with an ideas of what forms and/or techniques that they would like to improve upon during this class. Special attention will be given to creating larger vessels and lids, pouring vessels, multiples and executing more sophisticated forms. Class demonstrations will be given based on student input with the remainder of the class being one-on-one help. (12 classes/13 weeks)

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Surface and Form

Semester: 

Spring

Offered: 

2020

Dates: February 5 - April 22Ruth Easterbrook
Days/Times: Wednesdays, 10:00 - 1:00pm
Level: Beginner - Advanced
Instructor: Ruth Easterbrook

Course Description: Apply exciting surface techniques with your favorite wheel thrown and hand-built forms with 2019-20 Artist in Residence Ruth Easterbrook. This course will focus on a bi-weekly schedule of pairing an assigned form with a different decorating technique. Techniques will begin with slip decorating techniques and then students will bring their glazing up a notch with building complex surfaces with glazes. Historical and contemporary ceramic references will be shared for inspiration throughout the semester. Class will include group and individual instruction with a unity of form and surface.   (12 classes/13 weeks)

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Advancing Glazes

Semester: 

Spring

Offered: 

2020

Dates: February 3 - April 20glaze tiles
Days/Times: Mondays, 6:30 - 9:30pm
Level: Beginner - Advanced

Instructor: Matthew Katz/Casey Zeng


Course description:

This course is the next step after Glaze and Clay Body Chemistry and is led by Alfred University instructor Matthew Katz, facilitated by Ceramics Program staff member Casey Zeng. Advancing Glazes will take an intensive approach to the study and analysis of glazes. Students will research the nature of glaze effects, surfaces, and colors. The focus of the course is to provide students with technical and empirical knowledge about the composition, application and fired effects of ceramic glazes and ultimately, to aid them in making better-informed decisions as they strive to realize their vision.... Read more about Advancing Glazes

Explore Soda Firing

Semester: 

Spring

Offered: 

2020

Dates:  February 7 - April 24Denny McLaughlin
Days/Times: Fridays, 10:00am – 1:00 pm
Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Instructor: Dennis McLaughlin

Course description: Explore nature-inspired visual and tactile surfaces on wheel thrown forms by using soda slips and washes as well as patterns and textures. Fresh spontaneous approaches on soft clay, as well as more structured methods of building functional work with thrown forms will be developed. A three-dimensional artist, from either clay or another discipline will be selected by each student to inspire the development of new methods that go beyond the familiar solution in making a soda fired functional pot.  The experience of building a larger vocabulary of soda firing possibilities and results will lay the groundwork for new directions for functional work. (12 classes/13 weeks)
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Basics and Challenges

Semester: 

Spring

Offered: 

2020

Dates: February 4 - April 21st Stephanie Young
Days/Times: Tuesdays, 6:30pm - 9:30pm  
Level: Beginning - Intermediate                      
Instructors: Stephanie Young

Course description: Demonstrations, individual critiques, and lots of hands-on time will engage students in learning the basics of wheel throwing, hand building, and surface decoration. Creative approaches to altered and combined elements will provide challenges for more experienced students. (12 classes/13 weeks)
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Building Animals/Animals Building

Semester: 

Spring

Offered: 

2020

Dates: February 6 - April 23 Animals Building
Days/Times: Thursdays, 6:30pm  - 9:30pm
Level: Beginner - Advanced
Instructor: Mary Kenny

Course description:   Representations of animal forms are among the earliest examples of human art. In contemporary art they serve as metaphor, symbol, kitsch, and as vehicles for personification of human qualities.  Animals also build forms in the wild – birds, wasps, bees, beavers, and dung beetles to name a few. In this class we will use various hand building techniques to create animals and/or sculptures inspired by forms that other animals create. Each class will feature a demonstration on hand building or surface techniques as well as provide individual discussion for each student’s unique interests. (12 classes/13 weeks)
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Independent Studio

Semester: 

Spring

Offered: 

2020

Dates: February 3 - May 2Independent Study
Days/Times: N/A
Level: Advanced

Course description: Self-directed work for advanced participants previously enrolled in a Ceramics Program course and who have passed the Electric Kiln test. Independent Studio students have proven that they are capable of processing their own work. This course includes studio access and other opportunities. (13 weeks) ... Read more about Independent Studio

Absolute Beginners for Harvard Students

Semester: 

Spring

Offered: 

2020

Dates: February 8 - April 25AbsoluteBeginners
Days/Times: Saturdays, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Level: Beginner - Intermediate
Instructor: Diane Lulek

Course description:   Harvard College undergraduate and Harvard graduate students - ready to try your hand at the wheel? Explore the basics of wheel throwing in this fun and casual class. The instructor guides you through a variety of forms to then decorate and glaze as well as introducing you to the studio. A great way for Harvard students to take a break and explore your creative side in this fun introduction to clay! (12 classes/13 weeks)

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Molds and Multiples

Semester: 

Spring

Offered: 

2020

Dates:  February 5 - April 22Kyle Johns
Days/Times: Wednesdays, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Level: Beginner - Advanced
Instructor: Kyle Johns

Course description: Work with 2019-20 Ceramics Program Artist-in-Residence Kyle Johns, learning a variety of methods of working with plaster and molds. Utilizing mold making techniques is an interesting, contemporary approach to producing objects quickly, whether it be a set of mugs or multiple versions of an object that come together to form compelling installation or sculpture. Students will learn to make 1, 2 and 3 part molds for press molding and slip casting. We will be working from found objects as well as learning methods of prototyping to produce the objects from an original. (12 classes, 13 weeks)
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